Business Bank Account

07/03/2024

Whether you’re a passionate creator or an expert in your field, as an entrepreneur you’ve probably already asked yourself the question if you should have a business bank account ? 🤔

In this article, we’re going to dive into the financial world of entrepreneurship and explore in detail why having a separate bank account is not only advantageous, but also, often a legal requirement

Get ready to discover how this simple practice can

🥇 Simplify business management.
🥈 Pave the way for financial growth.
🥉 Have optimised tax management.

Ready to find out more about this area? Great, let’s get started! 🛩️

Why have a pro account as an business bank account ?

When you embark on the adventure of self-employed entrepreneurship, it’s often easy to underestimate the importance of having a business bank account dedicated to your activity
And yet it offers considerable financial and organisational advantages! 👇🏼

Let me explain. Separating personal and business finances is essential. Yes, having a business bank account allows you to separate the two and offer clear visibility of transactions linked to your business

This separation 💔 prevents confusion and the mixing of funds, which, let’s face it, is essential for accounting clarity, and is required by law in some countries

💡 In fact, the tax authorities require precise traceability of business income and expenditure, and having a dedicated account simplifies this task considerably.

What’s more, all business transactions are grouped together in one place, allowing you to analyse 🔎 financial flows, identify trends and, above all, take decisions if necessary. 👀

Is it important to have a microbusiness bank account?

For your

information, since the Pinel law of 1 January 2016, there is no longer any difference between auto-entrepreneur or micro-entreprise

In fact, the two schemes have been brought together to form a single status: the micro-enterprise. 💪🏼

Now that you know the two mean the same thing, let’s get back to business. 🐏

Opting for a bank account for your micro-business offers a separation between your personal and business finances. What’s more, it gives you greater credibility. 📈

Yes yes, you heard right in credibility, because when dealing with customers, suppliers or partners, providing professional bank details boosts the trust and legitimacy of your micro-business

💪🏼 It can also facilitate payments and business transactions, helping to establish long-lasting and fruitful relationships.

The advantages of a pro account for auto entrepreneurs

When you’re a self-employed entrepreneur, opening a bank account can bring a series of essential benefits that contribute to the optimal management of your business. Here are just a few of them. ⬇️

#1. Fees and commissions

A dedicated business bank account gives you clear visibility of your business expenses. This separation between business and personal transactions makes it easier to keep track of the fees and commissions specifically associated with your business

As a result, you can better understand your operational costs, optimise your spending and, above all, identify opportunities for savings. 🔎

#2. Online and mobile services

Many banks offer online and mobile services specially designed for pros

Let me explain. These platforms allow you to

👀 Quickly check your balances.
💸 Make payments.
🔁 Make transfers.
⬇️ Download bank statements.

#3. Debit card options

Having a debit card associated with your business account offers a practical solution for making business-related payments. It allows you, for example, to effectively separate business transactions from personal transactions. ⚡️

💡You can do this and still benefit from a practical means of payment for your suppliers, business purchases or travel expenses.

#4. Authorised overdraft

Last but not least, having an authorised overdraft. 👀

This can be a solution if you have temporary 🏴‍☠️ cash flow problems

📣 However, it’s important to use this option with caution and consider the associated charges.

As you can see, having an account: 👇🏼

🔲 Simplifies fee management.
🔲 Provides convenient access to banking services.
🔲 Offers professional payment solutions.
🔲 Includes flexible options such as authorised overdraft.

All these benefits contribute to more efficient financial management, which is essential for the growth and sustainability of your self-employed business. 😇

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Bank account regulations for auto-entrepreneurs

📣 Since the 2015 Social Security Financing Act, a provision has been in place requiring auto-entrepreneurs to have a bank account dedicated to their business.

In fact, this measure aims to increase financial transparency, make it easier to track business-related transactions and, above all, improve the collection of social security contributions and taxes

This regulation is an important dimension to consider in order to ensure the legal compliance and financial transparency 😶‍🌫️ of your business. I don’t think you have any desire to have problems, or even receiverships. 👀

So here’s an overview of the main aspects of the regulations relating to bank accounts as a self-employed entrepreneur! ⬇️

1) Obligation to separate accounts

What does this mean? 🤔

Well, it means that you must have a separate bank account dedicated to your business. This obligation is designed to ensure accounting clarity, make it easier to track transactions related to your business and meet tax requirements. ✨

2) Traceability of transactions

You need to be able to justify every business transaction. Yes yes, you heard right, every transaction. 😅

🧠 Your business bank account will serve as proof of your income and expenditure relating to your business.

As you can imagine, this traceability is essential for accounting and tax purposes. 🦋

3) Invoicing and VAT

If you’re VAT-free as a self-entrepreneur, your invoices don’t have to include VAT

We have an article dedicated to auto-entrepreneur factors if you’re interested 😉

4) Choice of bank

You are completely free to choose the bank you want to open your businessaccount with

Nevertheless, we recommend that you compare the fees, online services and benefits offered by different institutions

That’s just as well, because further down in this article, we’ll be giving you 4 banks to choose from! So just wait a little longer. 😋

3 practical tips for opening an auto-entrepreneur account

Well, now that you’ve understood that opening a bank account is a crucial step in managing your business finances, it’s gift 🎁, here are 3 practical tips to keep in mind 👁️

1) Evaluate fees as a whole

Well, as said before, when choosing a bank, it’s essential to carefully assess the associated fees.🔍

To do this, make sure you understand

Account maintenance charges.
Transaction fees.
Professional debit card charges.
Any other potential costs.

💡 Compare offers from different banks to find the one with competitive rates 🥊 and aligned with your needs.

2) Consider additional services

As well as fees, it’s also worth looking at additional services. It’s always nice to have a little ➕ right? 😇

There can be user-friendly online services, mobile apps, financial management tools or even payment solutions

Don’t hesitate to choose a bank that offers features that match your specific needs as a micro-business. 💟

3) Find out about customer service

Last but not least, the quality of customer service! We’re sick and tired of sitting on the phone for hours on end or never getting answers to our questions!

Make sure the bank you choose offers responsive and competent customer service, capable of answering all your questions and resolving any problems quickly. 🕵🏼‍♂️

Finally, choosing the right bank takes time, and you’ll see that by choosing the right one, you’ll simplify the management of your finances as a self-employed entrepreneur and thus contribute to the success of your business. 💪🏼

4 banks for self-employed entrepreneurs

Remember when, at the beginning of the article, we warned you that we were going to offer you 4 banks? Well, now’s the time. Take notes, here we go. 📝

Bank no. 1: Boursorama Banque

Let’s start with Boursorama banque, known to all!

Here’s a quick overview of what’s included in the pro offer

🔵 A business bank account for €9 incl. tax/month ➡️ no transaction fees or charges on your SEPA Inter-company direct debits (b2b).
🟣 An ULTIM bank card with immediate or deferred debit ➡️ secure Internet payments, card payments and euro withdrawals free of charge in France and abroad.
🔵 Boursorama protection pro insurance ➡️ protection for your daily life, from your means of payment, your papers, your keys, vehicle locks, premises, safes, or even your stolen portable equipment.
🟣 A livret pro ➡️ account rate is 2.50% per year, whatever the term and amount of your investment.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Let’s go through the pros and cons of Boursorama Pro! ⬇️

💚 Advantages:

Low fees = reduced fees compared to traditional banks, which can be advantageous for your situation.
Comprehensive online services = includes financial management tools, mobile apps, easy 24/7 access to your accounts.
Free bank card = the bank card is free, which can be useful for your day-to-day business expenses.
Additional services = savings, investment and credit solutions.

❌ Disadvantages:

Remote customer service = this is an online bank, no physical branches.
Limitation for cash deposits = online banks generally have limited options for cash deposits.
Possibility of hidden charges = it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid hidden charges or unexpected costs.

Bank no. 2: Qonto

Qonto is an online neo-bank that focuses on banking services for professionals and businesses, including self-employed entrepreneurs

You can be: 👇🏼

Self-employed.
Freelance.
Self-employed.
VSE (1 to 9 employees).
SME (10 to 250 employees).
Associations and donations.

Here’s what they offer

A professional pro account and 3 card options ➡️ to pay and get paid.
Customer and supplier invoices ➡️ centralise all your invoices.
Team expense management ➡️ delegate while keeping control.
Accounting and Reporting ➡️ automate your processes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Qonto?

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of Qonto: 👇🏼

💚 Advantages:

Simplicity and speed = are positioned as a quick and easy solution for opening a business bank account with an efficient online sign-up process in just a few minutes.
Advanced financial management = offers automatic expense categories, digital receipts, expense tracking features.
Team debit card = allows you to issue debit cards to members of your team with customisable access levels and spending limits.
Integration with other tools = offers integrations with popular accounting software and other financial management tools.

❌ Disadvantages

Variable fees = fees vary depending on the options you choose and the level of usage.
No cash deposits = like Boursorama, this is an online-only bank.
Chargeable features = some features, such as issuing debit cards or access to specific tools, add extra charges.

How much does Qonto charge?

Qonto offers 3 different rates. Here are the prices!

Bank no. 3: N26 Business

N26 is a no-fee bank account for self-employed entrepreneurs. You can open your account in 8 minutes and have direct access to your virtual card. 💳

You have many features, depending on the card you take, such as

🔵 Shared space.
🟣 Unique benefits.
🔵 10 sub-account spaces.
🟣 Personal responsibility.
🔵 Trip interruption.
🟣 F ree foreign currency withdrawals.

Let’s move on to its advantages as well as its disadvantages

Advantages and disadvantages of N26 Business

💚 Advantages:

Easy to sign up = quick and simple to open, beneficial for entrepreneurs looking to set up their business account quickly and hassle-free.
Mobile financial management = dynamic, uncluttered app that lets you manage finances from a smartphone.
Competitive rates = low account fees, free payments abroad.

❌ Disadvantages:

Free account limits = some advanced features, such as foreign currency withdrawals or insurance may be associated with additional charges.
Limited customer service = no physical bank, contact only by email and telephone.

How much does N26 Business cost?

As mentioned above, this bank offers 4 different packages

🦋 Standard.
💡 Smart.
🫵🏼 You.
🤟🏼 Metal.

Here are the prices! ⬇️

Bank no. 4: Société Générale

Let’s move on to the last bank and one of the biggest traditional banks in France, I’m talking about… 🥁 Société Générale !

Given that this is also a physical bank, you have some features that are not to be overlooked

🔲 Support from a dedicated expert.
🔲 Tailor-made financing.
🔲 A range of payment methods.
cheque and cash deposits.

The advantages and disadvantages of Société Générale

💚Advantages:

Branch network = vast network of physical branches in France, allowing you to receive assistance in person and meet a bank adviser.
Diversity of services = wide range of financial products, including savings, investment and credit services.

❌ Disadvantages:

Higher fees = as this is an online and physical bank, some financial management costs may be increased.
Account opening process = the account opening process may take longer and require more documents.

How much does Société Générale charge?

There are two offers available for auto-entrepreneurs

Shine from €7.90/month excluding VAT ➡️ automatic transmission to your chartered accountant, real-time notification, management of your purchase receipts, 100% digital.
Jazz pro from €39/month excluding VAT ➡️ monthly fee known in advance, professional advisor close to you, 25% discount on a wide choice of payment cards, price advantages on certain products.

How about a quick recap?

At the end of the day ( +1 for the joke? 😅 ), opening a dedicated bank account as an auto-entrepreneur is much more than a simple administrative formality, it’s a crucial decision for the financial management and success of your business

Admittedly, regulations can vary from country to country, but in many places this separation is now a legal requirement! ✨

Frequently asked questions and summary

Did you think we’d finished with this article? Well no, here are some frequently asked questions

Is it compulsory to have a business account as an auto-entrepreneur?

In France, since 1 January 2015, auto-entrepreneurs are not legally required to have a business bank account dedicated to their activity. 💡

What costs need to be taken into account when working as an auto-entrepreneur?

Here is a list of 10 common expenses to take into account

🔲 So cial security contributions.
🔲 Income tax.
🔲 Bank account charges.
🔲 Insurance costs.
🔲 Travel expenses.
🔲 Equipment and supply costs.
🔲 Communication costs.
🔲 Training costs.
🔲 Marketing and advertising costs.
🔲 Accounting and management costs.

What is the difference between a business account and a personal account?

They’re not the same thing, and we’ll quickly explain why: ⬇️

🤍 A personal account is for one-off individual use to manage your personal finances, such as day-to-day spending, bill payments and personal savings.
🤍 A business account, on the other hand, is specifically designed to manage your company’s finances. It is therefore intended to receive income from your professional activity and to manage business expenses.

That is now the end of this article about the business bank account. See you soon! 💟